In-Line Blood Gas Monitor Enhances Flu Readiness

A miniaturized in-line analyzer enables rapid and frequent arterial blood gas results to be delivered directly at the point of care.

The Sphere Medical (Cambridge, United Kingdom) Proxima system is comprised of bedside monitor and a sensor with an arterial pressure monitoring line mounted in-line with an intravenous (IV) feed. When arterial blood gas analysis is required, blood is drawn into the Proxima sensor, where it passes an array of biosensors embedded in a silicon chip, each a miniaturized version of the electrochemical sensors used in a traditional blood gas analyzer. After passing the analyte panel, all blood is returned to the patient.


The disposable sensor can be used for monitoring blood gases and electrolytes, including acidity (pH), arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), hematocrit, and potassium (K+), over a 72 hour period for as many times as required, making it particularly useful in the management of specific conditions where a patient may be unstable, such as influenza, acute respiratory distress (ARDS), severe sepsis, trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other vulnerable conditions that require isolation to prevent contact and droplet-spread. The system is operated via a touch screen interface in the dedicated bedside monitor.

“Blood gas measurements are key parameters when monitoring critical care patients with respiratory complications. Since frequent arterial blood sampling is necessary, a key aspect of infection prevention and control with such patients is the strict management of their blood samples,” said Wolfgang Rencken, CEO of Sphere Medical. “As Proxima operates as a closed system, there is no contact with the patient’s blood which is all returned to the patient. Measuring blood gas actually in the patient’s bed space also enhances workflow in ICUs, which is important when pressured during winter flu outbreaks.”

Arterial blood gas analysis measures the blood gas tension values, including PaO2, PaCO2, pH, and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), among others. It is one of the most common tests performed in intensive care units (ICUs) and is intended to reflect gas exchanges across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

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